For some Detroit Lions fans, the team didn't do enough to add to their pass rush depth and quality. This sentiment was only strengthened after NFC Rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, swung big for Myles Garrett to further establish themselves as the Super Bowl favorites. While this frustration is understandable, the Lions certainly feel like they have enough to contend, even on the EDGE.
In fact, the front office feels like it did the most important thing: adding more depth around Aidan Hutchinson to keep him as fresh as possible throughout the season.
Aidan Hutchinson's defensive snaps will be a key storyline all season
The load Hutchinson had to carry last season was a big talking point. Appearing in every game and playing over 1,000 defensive snaps, Hutch was shouldering an unsustainable burden.
This was partly due to Detroit's desperation towards the end of the season, but it was mostly about the lack of depth on the defensive line. Even though the fanbase may feel like the Lions didn't add an elite pass rusher to pair with Hutchinson, the organization is happy with where they are at.
When the Lions selected Derrick Moore in the second round, GM Brad Holmes noted that the addition would "take some work off Hutchinson's plate," per Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network. Detroit has made it clear that they want to dial Hutchinson's snap count back.
Rogers asked the star defensive end what he thought about the Lions' desire to reduce his defensive snaps. Hutch said that it is "a fine line" trying to balance rest and playing time. He added that he is obviously not going to come out in the fourth quarter and overtime, but they need to find plays for him to take off throughout the game, "It really helps, just taking a couple off here and there, it helps the conditioning for sure.”
Hutchinson's incredible production last year after suffering a broken tibia in 2024 was partly due to the sheer quantity of snaps he played. He was back to his pre-injury self, recording career highs across the board with 14.5 sacks, 35 QB hits, and four forced fumbles.
Hopefully, the Lions won't have to rely on Hutchinson to single-handedly carry the defense in that manner. The 25-year-old defender played over 90% of snaps last year. In comparison, Garrett has been around 80% each season of his career. That is the sweet spot Hutchinson needs to be at. His production may take a hit, but the Lions will benefit from it in the long run.
Immediate production from DJ Wonnum and Derrick Moore is needed. That is the only way the Lions can feel comfortable consistently giving Hutchinson plays off. It may sound counterintuitive, but the less Hutch plays, the better odds Detroit has of making a deep postseason run.
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